Because of its many different natural environments and widely varied appearances, the Golden Tree Frog is known by a number of common names. These names include Golden Foam-nest Frog, Four-lined Tree Frog, Asian Flying Frog, Golden Flying Frog, Common Tree Frog, Banana Frog, and Asian Tree Frog. Golden Tree Frogs are fairly easy to care for, and they make popular pets.

Species Profile: Golden Tree Frog

Scientific Name:

Polypedates leucomystax

Natural Environment:

India to the Philippines, tropical parts of Asia.

Average Size:

1-1/2" - 3-1/2"; the females are significantly larger than males.

Average Life Span:

More than 6 years in captivity.

Appearance:

Golden Tree Frogs have an angular head and a pointed nose. There are a variety of color morphs that include solid orange-tan, lightly striped gray with a brown stripe around the face, and patterned tan, beige, brown or gray with four dark stripes running from the head down the back. The belly is always solid white or cream.

Habitat

Size:

A minimum of a 20-gallon terrarium measuring 24" long by 12" wide by 16" high for two males or one female. The minimum size of the cage is due to their ability to jump very long distances.

Lighting:

During the day, use a low wattage reptile heat light. At night, use an infrared heat light.

Temperature:

Daytime temperature should be 75° to 85°F. Nighttime temperatures should be 65° to 75°F.

Humidity:

Above 60%.

Housing:

The terrarium should have a very tight fitting cover to prevent escape. We recommend attaching black cardboard or aquarium background to three of the sides to give your frogs a sense of security.

There are a few items you should use to create a natural environment within the terrarium. You will need to provide perches from materials such as driftwood, cork bark, and vines. Create several hiding spots around the terrarium by wrapping fake plants around perches and using fake plants with large leaves throughout. Finally, place a bowl of spring water large enough for the frogs to soak in the terrarium.

Golden Tree Frogs are insectivores, and their diet should consist mainly of live crickets. Adult frogs should be fed two to three times a week, and juveniles should be fed every other day or more. Adults will need their crickets dusted with vitamin and mineral supplement once every two to four feedings, while juveniles will need supplementation every feeding. Both adults and juveniles should be fed at night.

The number of crickets you should feed at once depends on the size of the cricket and the size of the Golden Tree Frog that you are feeding. A general meal size is three to eight crickets, depending on the above factors. If you are unsure exactly how many crickets to feed your frog, consult your veterinarian.

Approximately once a week, substitute a different insect such as mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, moths, or flies.

Behavior/Interaction:

Golden Tree Frogs are easily stressed by disturbances, so they need a quiet habitat. When they are stressed, they can engage in panicked behavior that can cause injury. They are nocturnal, so they are very active at night.

Interesting Facts:

In the wild, Golden Tree Frogs prefer to live near civilization, often venturing into people's homes, rather than in isolated areas. The call of the Golden Tree Frog is a single note repeated over and over again. Unlike many frog species, Golden Tree Frogs lay their eggs near or above water in a foam nest that hardens. It dissolves when there are heavy rains, and the eggs drop into the water. Golden Tree Frogs have discs on the bottom of their feet that help them to climb vegetation.